Jerskin Fendrix discusses Yorgos Lanthimos, his latest album, and using grief for songwriting inspiration
Jerskin Fendrix, while enjoying a coffee and a slice of cake, contemplates how death is often portrayed in art. He believes that the depiction of mortality is often oversimplified, reduced to a melancholic piano soundtrack. Having experienced the death of loved ones, he understands the myriad emotions that come with loss – from relief to anger, and everything in between. Fendrix emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the complexity of emotions surrounding death.
Born Joscelin Dent-Pooley, Fendrix delves deep into his experiences with loss on his latest album, Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire. This album serves as a tribute to a close friend lost to suicide and his father’s passing due to illness. The title of the album reflects his deep connection to the rural English county in which he grew up. Fendrix’s attachment to Shropshire runs so deep that the album’s completion felt like bidding farewell to his childhood, as his mother had also moved away from the area.
Transitioning into film composing, Fendrix caught the attention of acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos, leading to an Oscar nomination for his work on Poor Things. Collaborating with Lanthimos on multiple projects, including the upcoming Bugonia, Fendrix found a balance between scoring films and working on his personal album. The creative process behind Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire was lengthy, taking five years to complete. Initially driven by anger, the album slowly evolved into a multifaceted reflection on grief and remembrance.
Fendrix sees it as a duty for those closest to the deceased to reflect their love and memories back into the world. Drawing from his roots in the south London post-punk scene, he incorporates elements of post-rock grandeur and intimate introspection into his music. Tracks like “Together Again” blur the lines between musical theater and personal reflection, capturing the bittersweet nostalgia of adolescence in the wake of loss.
In the tapestry of grief, adolescence, and nostalgia that defines Once Upon A Time. . . In Shropshire, Fendrix confronts the inevitable passage of time and the longing to hold onto fleeting memories. The album serves as a testament to his journey through grief, capturing the essence of a moment frozen in time amidst a rapidly changing world.